Keller wins primary

Capturing more than 72 percent of Republican votes, incumbent state Rep. Mark Keller (R-86th District) withstood a primary challenge from Michael Lapp and will run unopposed in the November general election.

He defeated challenger Lapp 4,630 to 1,747 during the May 18 primary, according to unofficial returns.

An official count was done on May 21.

Reached by phone last week, Keller said, “I want to thank the voters, and I appreciate the honor of serving them. I was very pleased with the results. I will always remember who elected me.”

The results were somewhat of a repeat from the 2008 primary, when Keller and Lapp first ran against each other. Keller secured the nomination then with nearly 79 percent of total votes.

In Franklin County, a portion of which is in the 86th District, Keller snagged more than 85 percent of the vote.

“People want change, but they’re not voting for it. They don’t act upon it,” Lapp said. He continued, “I want to thank everyone that signed the petition and gave me the opportunity to get on the ballot. I appreciate all the help.”

In other election news:

— U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak was assisted by Perry County Democrats in defeating incumbent Sen. Arlen Specter, 1,497 to 863. Former U.S. Rep. Pat Toomey won the Republican nomination against Peg Luksik, receiving over 81 percent of Perry County votes.

— Dan Onorato, chief executive of Allegheny County, won the Democratic nomination for governor, and more than 50 percent of Democrats in the county voting for him. Onorato will face off in November against state attorney general Tom Corbett, who won 57 percent of the county Republican votes.

— Chet Beiler fell ultimately to Jim Cawley in a bid for the lieutenant governor Republican nomination, but Beiler won Perry County, 1,705 to 1,039. Democrat H. Scott Conklin won the party’s nomination, and Perry County with over 60 percent.

— Incumbent U.S. Rep. Tim Holden (D-17th District) again won his party’s nomination, and over 65 percent of votes against challenger Sheila Dow Ford. Holden will face Dave Argall, who secured only 24 percent of Perry County votes against Josh First’s 50-plus percent.